Secure assembly for a docking station

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a docking station having a secure assembly including a chassis, a tray at least partially covering the chassis, a port block slidably connected to the tray, the port block configured to translate between a substantially open position and a substantially closed position, a drivetrain connected to the chassis, a fastener connecting the port block to the drivetrain, an access hole in the chassis. The fastener is accessible via the access hole when the port block is in an open position. The fastener is inaccessible via the access hole when the port block is in a closed position inhibiting disassembly of the docking station.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 14/987,874 filed Jan. 5, 2016 which is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/921,041 filed Oct. 23, 2015 theentirety the aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The embodiments of the invention relate docking stations for electronicdevices, and more particularly, to a horizontal docking station for alaptop computer. Although embodiments of the invention are suitable fora wide scope of applications, it is particularly suitable for adrivetrain for a motorized horizontal docking station.

Discussion of the Related Art

The related art docking stations include docking stations for laptopcomputers. Docking stations of the related art are generally of the formdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,309,230 to Helot, particularly FIG. 1 andFIG. 2. The related art docking stations generally interface with anelectronic device such as a laptop computer. The electrical connectionbetween electronic device and docking station is generally achievedthrough a single, multi-pin docking port. The related art dockingstation generally provides a multitude of additional interface portsconnected to the docking port.

Docking stations of the related art also include multi-plug tomulti-port docking stations such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Pub.2013/0148289 of Kitae Kwon (“Kwon”), particularly in FIG. 2(multi-plug), and FIG. 6 (multi-port). See also U.S. Pat. Pub.2012/0127651 of Kitae Kwon, et. al. Kwon discloses, generally, aplurality of plugs on a sliding arm that can be activated by a lever.When the lever is activated, the arms squeeze together and engage theplurality of plugs with the corresponding ports of an electronic device.Kwon also discloses using a Kensington-style lock to bind the slidingarm to the chassis and prevent movement sliding arm.

Docking stations of the related art also include motorized dockingstations such as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/306,198 of Vroom. Vroom discloses, generally, a docking stationactuated by a motor connected to rack-and-pinion arms (See Vroom, FIG.16). The arms are connected to sliders on underside of the tray (SeeVroom, FIG. 19). A motor turns the pinion gear which moves a rack-gearportion of the arms to actuate connector blocks.

The related art docking stations also include opposing connector blocks.To connect a computer to the related art docking stations, a userpositions the electronic device within the docking station, andactivates a lever to cause the opposing connector blocks to press intothe electronic device thereby making an electrical connection betweenthe docking station and the electronic device. In the related art, theopposing connector blocks can be connected to the lever through a hingeor a cam. Both the hinge and cam are described in U.S. Pat. Pub.2013/0148289 of Kitae Kwon, particularly in FIG. 1A, FIG. 1B (cam), andFIG. 4 (hinge). See also U.S. Pat. Pub. 2012/0127651 of Kitae Kwon, et.al.

There are some disadvantages of the related art systems. For example,the related art docking stations rely on a lever to so that a user canmanually actuate the connector blocks. The lever is generally offsetfrom the axis of the connector blocks the lever can be accessible by auser. An offset lever creates a non-linear force on the connector blockand can cause misalignment of the connector block and prevent theconnector block from interfacing with the docked device as designed. Thelever also has the disadvantage that it must be moved to effectuatedocking and undocking. The lever can be challenging to manipulate on acrowded desk or by a person having limited dexterity.

The related art docking stations that using on a motor rely on slidingarms that are connected to an underside of the tray such as in Vroom.The sliding arms and sliding connection points of Vroom are a point ofprecision from which all other movement is indexed. For example, thearms of Vroom are slidably connected to the underside of the tray, thearms are connected to port blocks, the port blocks have connectors, andthe connectors are positioned to interface with ports of a correspondingelectronic device. However, the indexing point in Vroom (the undersideof the tray) is distant from the position that precision is required(i.e. the point where the connectors are inserted into the electronicdevice.) Vroom therefore discloses undesirable tolerance stacking asbetween the indexing point and the point where precision is required.This requires adherence to very strict tolerances and increasesmanufacturing costs.

The rack-and-pinion arms of Vroom are precision-manufacture componentsthat must be particularly sized, scaled, and designed for use in aparticular model docking station. The rack-and-pinion arms of Vroom arenot interchangeable with other docking stations and cannot easily besubstituted into other models of docking stations due to differingdimensions.

The related art docking stations are also generally passive—the dockdoes not have awareness of whether an electronic device is present or ifthe connectors of the connector blocks are inserted into the dockeddevice. A passive docking station cannot, for example, detect whetherthe electronic device is properly positioned within the dock.

The related art docking stations also have a predetermined range ofmotion for the connector blocks. This range of motion is determined bythe length of the lever arms and hinges or the size of the cam.Mechanical devices, however, tend to wear with extended use. As therelated art begins to wear, the range of motion for the connector blockscan become sloppy or loose. Because docking requires high tolerances, aloose connector block could cause misalignment or incomplete insertion.

The related art of Helot, requires that the electronic device includes adocking connector. Thus the docking station of Helot cannot be used withelectronic devices that do not include a docking connector. Helot isalso limited in that Helot does not provide a mechanism to secure eitherthe electronic device or the docking station. While Kwon teaches usingmultiple plugs instead of a docking connector and using aKensington-style lock to secure the electronic device and dockingstation, Kwon does not allow removal of the electronic device withoutalso manually removing the Kensington-style lock.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, embodiments of the invention are directed to a drivetrainfor a motorized docking station that substantially obviates one or moreof the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

An object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation that minimizing tolerance stacking.

Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation for an electronic device that does not have a docking port.

Yet another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide adocking station that provides additional security features to retain anelectronic device.

Still another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide aninterchangeable drivetrain compatible with many models of motorizeddocking stations.

Another object of embodiments of the invention is to provide a dockingstation that cannot be disassembled when it is in a “closed” or “locked”state.

Additional features and advantages of embodiments of the invention willbe set forth in the description which follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practice ofembodiments of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of theembodiments of the invention will be realized and attained by thestructure particularly pointed out in the written description and claimshereof as well as the appended drawings.

To achieve these and other advantages and in accordance with the purposeof embodiments of the invention, as embodied and broadly described, aPrecision Docking Station for an Electronic Device Having IntegratedRetention Mechanism includes a port block, a first electronic connectorof the port block, a retention member of the port block, a tray forreceiving the electronic device, a sidewall of the tray, an interiorside of the sidewall, a first through-hole of the sidewall sized toslidably receive the first connector, a second through hole of thesidewall sized to slidably receive the retention member, wherein theport block is configured to slide between a substantially open positionand a substantially closed position with respect to the sidewall of thetray, and wherein the first connector protrudes from the firstthrough-hole on the interior side of the sidewall of the tray when theport block is in the substantially closed position.

In another aspect, a Precision Docking Station for an Electronic DeviceHaving Integrated Retention Mechanism includes a chassis, a port blockconfigured to slide between an open position and a closed position, avoid in the chassis sized to slidably retain the port block, a tray forholding the electronic device, a sidewall of the tray, an interiorsurface of the sidewall, a first hole in the sidewall of the tray, anelectronic connector of the port block positioned to slidably interfacewith the first hole, a second hole in the sidewall of the tray, aretention finger of the port block positioned to slidably interface withthe second hole, and wherein the electronic connector passes through thefirst hole in the sidewall and protrudes from the interior surface ofthe sidewall when the port block is in the closed position.

In yet another aspect, a Precision Docking Station for an ElectronicDevice Having Integrated Retention Mechanism includes a first portblock, a first electronic connector of the first port block, a firstretention finger of the first port block, a second port block, a secondretention finger of the second port block, a tray portion for receivingthe electronic device, a first sidewall, a first hole in the firstsidewall for slidably receiving the first electronic connector, a secondhole in the first sidewall for slidably receiving the first retentionfinger, a second sidewall, and a third hole in the second sidewall forslidably receiving the second retention finger.

In still another aspect, a drivetrain for a motorized docking stationincludes a port block, a drivetrain interface of the port block, athreaded receiving portion of the drivetrain interface, a driveshaft,and a threaded end of the driveshaft coupled to the threaded receivingportion.

In another aspect, a drivetrain for a motorized docking station includesa driveshaft, a first threaded end of the driveshaft having a left-handthread, a second threaded end of the driveshaft having a right-handthread, a plurality of gears, an electric motor coupled to the pluralityof gears, and a linking gear of the plurality of gears, the linking gearfixed to the drive shaft. The drivetrain can have a manual override gearcoupled to the driveshaft and a tool-receiving portion of the manualoverride gear.

In yet another aspect, a drivetrain for a motorized docking stationincludes a port block, a drivetrain interface of the port block, athreaded receiving portion of the drivetrain interface, a driveshaft, afirst threaded end of the driveshaft having a left-hand thread andcoupled to the threaded receiving portion, a plurality of gears, aelectric motor coupled to the plurality of gears, a linking gear of theplurality of gears, the linking gear fixed to the drive shaft. The portblock can be configured to translate between a substantially openposition and a substantially closed position along the threaded end ofthe driveshaft.

In still another aspect, a secure assembly for a docking stationincludes a chassis, a tray at least partially covering the chassis, aport block slidably connected to the tray, the port block configured totranslate between a substantially open position and a substantiallyclosed position, a drivetrain connected to the chassis, a fastenerconnecting the port block to the drivetrain, an access hole in thechassis, wherein the fastener is accessible via the access hole when theport block is in an open position, and wherein the fastener isinaccessible via the access hole when the port block is in a closedposition inhibiting disassembly of the docking station.

In another aspect, a secure assembly for a docking station includes achassis, a tray at least partially covering the chassis, a first portblock configured to slide between an open position and a closedposition, a first alignment member on the first port block, a firstsocket of the tray for slidably receiving the first alignment member, asecond alignment member on the first port block, a second socket of thetray for slidably receiving the second alignment member, a drivetrainconnected to the chassis, a fastener attaching the drivetrain to thefirst port block, an access hole, wherein a head of the fastener ispositioned below the access hole when the first port block is in theopen position, and wherein the head of the fastener is obscured by thechassis when the first port block is in the closed position.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of embodiments of the inventionas claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of embodiments of the invention and are incorporated inand constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments ofthe invention and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a port block according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a tray according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a detailed isometric view of the tray of FIG. 2 according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a chassis according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in an openposition according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5B is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in a closedposition according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5C is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in anopen position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5D is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in aclosed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5E is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, electronic device, andport block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a drivetrain according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of threaded ends of a driveshaft accordingto exemplary embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a gear system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a port block connected to a driveshaftaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a port block connected to a driveshaftin a chassis according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11A is a rear view of a docking station according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11B is a detailed view of a rear portion of a docking station witha chassis portion removed show internal details according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12A is an assembly view of a port block according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12B is an isometric view of a port block according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a tray according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14A is an assembly view of a port block, tray and drivetrainaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14B is an assembly view of a port block, tray and drivetrainaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15A is an isometric view of a left side of a chassis according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15B is an isometric view of a right side of a chassis according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of a chassis and tray according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16B is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and perimeter footaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a chassis and drive train according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. The invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodimentsset forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey theconcept of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings,the thicknesses of layers and regions are exaggerated for clarity. Likereference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a port block according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a port block 110includes retention members 115 a-115 c, an electronic connector 120, anda drivetrain interface 125. The port block 110 can be a left-hand-sideport block for use on a left-hand-side of a docking station.

The port block 110 can include retention members 115 a-115 c. Theretention members can be formed from rubber a rubber-like material. Theretention members 115 a-115 c can be formed from plastic. The retentionmembers 115 a-115 c can be formed from hard plastic coated in arubber-like substance. The port block 110 can slide between an openposition and a closed position. In the closed position, the retentionmembers 115 a-115 c can contact a top surface of an electronic device tostabilize the electronic device within a docking station and to preventremoval of the device. In the open position, the retention members 115a-115 c can be free from or clear of the electronic device in thedocking station and allow removal of the electronic device. In preferredembodiments, the port block 110 can include three retention members 115a-115 c as shown in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, more of fewerretention members can be used. Retention members can also be calledretention fingers.

The port block 110 can include an electronic connector 120. Theelectronic connector 120 can be positioned to on the port block 110 tocorrespond to the position of a corresponding port of the electronicdevice (not shown). In the open position, the electronic connector 120can be disconnected from the electronic device. In the closed position,the electronic connector 120 can be inserted into the corresponding portof the electronic device. The electronic connector 120 can be any typeof electronic connector that are known in the art. In preferredembodiments of the invention, the electronic connector 120 is a USBType-C connector and the electronic device can be a 12″ Apple MacBook.

In preferred embodiments of the invention there is exactly oneelectronic connector on a port block. However, the invention is notlimited to port blocks having only one electronic connector andincludes, without limitation, port blocks having two or more electronicconnectors each respectively corresponding to a port of the electronicdevice. The invention further contemplates port blocks having noelectronic connectors and having only retention members or dummyconnectors. Dummy connectors can be formed from plastic, metal, or nylonand be positioned to interface with a corresponding port of theelectronic device. Dummy connectors can retain the electronic devicewithin a docking station without making an electrical connection.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention (not shown) aright-hand-side port block can include one or more retention members,one or more dummy connectors, or combinations of retention members anddummy connectors.

A port block 110 can include a drivetrain interface 125. The drivetraininterface 125 can connect to a drivetrain (not shown) to provide a motorforce to translate the port block 110 between and open and closedposition. The drivetrain can include, for example, a rack and pinionactuator. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the drivetrain (notshown) can include a rotating drive shaft having a threaded end. Thethreaded end can be inserted into the drivetrain interface 125 which canhave a corresponding threaded hole. The drive shaft can be connected toan electric motor through a series of gears. The motor can rotate thegears which, in turn, can rotate the drive shaft which, in turn, canrotate the threaded end of the drive shaft which, in turn can interfacewith a threaded hole of the drivetrain interface 125 to translate theport block 110 between an open and closed position.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a tray according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2 a tray 130 can include aleft side wall 135 a and a right side wall 135 b. The tray 130 can besized to precisely receive a specific electronic device such as a 12″Apple MacBook computer.

The left side wall 135 a can have an interior surface 145 a, an exteriorsurface 150 a, and a plurality of cutouts or holes 140 a. The holes 140a can be sized and positioned to receive the retention members andelectronic connector of FIG. 1. The holes 140 a can be precisely sizedto exactly fit the retention members and electronic connector of FIG. 1.The holes 140 a can serve as an indexing member to align the electronicconnector of FIG. 1 with an electronic device seated in the tray 130.

FIG. 3 is a detailed isometric view of the tray of FIG. 2 according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the trayhas a left side wall 135 a, and a plurality of cutouts or holes 140 a.The left side wall 135 a has an interior surface 145 a and an exteriorsurface 150 a. The cutouts 140 a can be sized and shaped to preciselyreceive the fingers (not shown) and/or connectors (not shown) of a portblock (not shown). While, the drawing of FIG. 3 particularly relates toa left side of a tray, it should be appreciated that that the featuresdisclosed and described in conjunction with FIG. 3 are equallyapplicable to a right side of a tray.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a chassis according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 4, a chassis 155 includesa cavity or void 160. The chassis 155 can be made from metal or sturdyplastic. The cavity or void 160 can be sized and shaped to receive andallow the lateral translation of a port block (not shown) such as theport block shown and described in conjunction with FIG. 1. A port block(not shown) can translate or slide inside the cavity or void 160 toallow for the connectors associated with the port block to be quicklyinserted or removed from an electronic device in the docking station.

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in an openposition according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shownin FIG. 5A, a chassis 155 includes a cavity or void 160. The cavity orvoid 160 can receive a port block 110. The port block 110 can slide inthe cavity or void 160 to an open position as shown in FIG. 5A. In theopen position, the port block 110 can be disposed in a maximum recessedposition with the cavity or void 160. In the alternative, in an openposition, the port block can be recessed within the chassis to asufficient extent to allow the connectors (not labeled) on the portblock 110 to be removed from the corresponding ports of an electronicdevice (not shown) in the docking station.

FIG. 5B is an isometric view of a chassis and port block in a closedposition according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shownin FIG. 5B, a chassis 155 includes a cavity or void 160. The cavity orvoid 160 can receive a port block 110. The port block 110 can slide inthe cavity or void 160 to a closed position as shown in FIG. 5B. In theclosed position, the port block 110 can be minimally recessed in the incavity or void 160 such that the fingers 115 a-115 c and the connector120 protrude from the cavity or void 160, through a tray (not shown forclarity) and to an electronic device. The fingers 115 a-115 c can toucha top surface of the electronic device to securely retain the electronicdevice within the docking station. In the closed position, the fingers115 a-115 c can protrude through the tray (not shown) to a minimumextent such that the fingers contact a top surface of the electronicdevice (such as a keyboard portion of an electronic device) yet stillallow a lid of the electronic device (such as the screen of a laptop) toclose without substantial interference. In the closed position, theconnector 120 can protrude through the tray (not shown) and into acorresponding port of an electronic device.

FIG. 5C is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in anopen position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 5C, a tray 130 can be attached to the chassis 155. Thetray can include a left side wall 135 a having a plurality of cutouts orholes 140 a and an interior surface 145 a. The port block (not visible)can be in an open position such that it is fully recessed into thecavity 160 of FIG. 5A and the fingers and connectors of the port blockdo not protrude through the holes 140 a to the interior surface 145 a ofthe left side wall 135 a. In the open position an electronic device caneasily be inserted or removed from the tray without interference by thefingers or the connector.

FIG. 5D is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, and port block in aclosed position according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.As shown in FIG. 5D, a tray 130 can be attached to the chassis 155 and aport block 110 of FIG. 5B can be in a closed or fully inserted position.In the closed position, the fingers 115 a-115 c and connector 120 passthrough the cutouts or holes 140 a and protrude from the interiorsurface of the 145 a of the left side wall 135 a.

FIG. 5E is an isometric view of a chassis, tray, electronic device, andport block in a closed position according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe invention. As shown in FIG. 5E, a plurality of fingers 115 a-115 ccan pass through the holes or cutouts (not labeled) in the sidewall 135a of the tray (not labeled) and protrude from an interior surface 145 aof the left side wall 135 a to contact a top surface of an electronicdevice 165 thereby retaining the electronic device in the dockingstation. Similarly, a connector 120 can pass through one of the holes orcutouts (not labeled) in the sidewall 135 a of the tray (not labeled)and protrude from an interior surface 145 a of the left side wall 135 ato interface with a corresponding port (not shown) of the electronicdevice 165 thereby retaining the electronic device in the dockingstation.

Although the invention has been shown and described in conjunction witha left side wall having three fingers and one connector, otherembodiments are contemplated within the scope of this inventionincluding variations of the foregoing. These variations include, forexample, one, two, three or more fingers on one side; one, two, three ormore connectors on one side; different combinations of connectors andfingers on two or more sides; at least one finger and one connector onone side and at least one finger and one connector on an opposite side;a second side horizontally opposed to a first side; at least oneconnector and one finger on one side and at least one finger on a secondside; at least one connector and one finger on one side and a dummyconnector on a second side; and one or more fingers on a first side andone or more connectors on a second side and horizontally opposed to thefirst side.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a drivetrain according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 6, a drivetrain 200 for adocking station can include a driveshaft 210, threaded portions 215 aand 215 b, an electric motor 230, and gears 220. The electric motor 230can be connected to the gears 220. One of the gears 220 can be a linkinggear 240 that connects the gears 220 to the driveshaft 210. Thedriveshaft 210 can have two ends 211 and 212. The ends 211 and 212 ofthe drive shaft 210 can be hexagonal, keyed, or have other similarfeatures for receiving threaded portions 215 a and 215 b and prevent thethreaded portions 215 a and 215 b from rotating about the ends 211 and212. The threaded portions 215 a and 215 b can be capped with limitingwashers 216 a and 216 b. The threaded portions 215 a and 215 b and therespective limiting washers 216 a and 216 b can be retained on the ends211 and 212 with retaining member such as retaining clip 217.

The gears 220 can be reducing gears that function to decrease therotational speed and increase the power of the motor 230. Small electricmotors typically operate at high speeds, such as 1,200 rpm, 1,800 rpm,or greater. Gears 220 can effectively reduce the rotational speed of themotor 230 at the driveshaft 210 and increase the power. The gears 220can be coupled to the driveshaft 210 via a linking gear 240. The linkinggear 240 can be fixed to the driveshaft 210 such that rotating thelinking gear 240 causes the driveshaft 210 to rotate as well. Whenelectrical power is applied to the motor, the motor can spin at highspeed, the speed can be reduced and the power increased by way of thegears 220. The rotational energy can be transmitted to the driveshaft210 by the linking gear 240. Rotation of the driveshaft 210 can, inturn, cause rotation of the threaded portions 215 a and 215 b that arefixed to the ends 211 and 212 of the driveshaft 210. The threadedportions 215 a and 215 b can be connected to corresponding threadedreceiving portions of port blocks (not shown) of a docking stationcausing the port blocks to translate over the threaded portions and movefrom an open position to a closed position, or vice versa.

The drivetrain 200 can further include and emergency override gear 250having a tool-receiving portion 255. The emergency override gear 250 canbe coupled to the driveshaft via linking gear 260. In the alternative,the emergency override gear 250 can be coupled to the driveshaft vialinking gear 240. The tool-receiving portion 255 can be, for example, ahexagonal socket for receiving an Allen wrench. In another example, thetool-receiving portion 255 can be shaped to receive a different tool,such as a Torx wrench, flathead screw driver, phillips screw driver, orother tool for imparting rotational force. In the event of a powerfailure or other mechanical failure, a user can turn the emergencyoverride gear 250 by rotating the tool-receiving portion 255 with anappropriate tool. Rotating the emergency override gear 250 can cause thedriveshaft 210 and its threaded portions 215 a and 215 b to rotatethereby translating the port blocks (not shown) from a closed positionto an open position.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of threaded ends of a driveshaft accordingto exemplary embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 7, thedriveshaft 210 includes threaded portions 215 a and 215 b, limitingwashers 216 a and 216 b, and retaining clip 217. The threaded portion215 a and limiting washer 216 a can be disposed at one end 211 of thedriveshaft 210. The threaded portion 215 b and limiting washer 216 b canbe disposed at an opposite end 212 of the driveshaft 210. The ends 211and 212 of the drive shaft 210 can be hexagonal or keyed such that thethreaded portions 215 a and 215 b are constrained to rotate togetherwith the driveshaft 210. The retention clip 217 can hold the threadedportion 215 b and limiting washer 216 b on the end 212 of the driveshaft210. Although not shown, the other end 211 can similarly include aretention clip to hold the threaded portion 215 a and limiting washer216 a on the end 211 of the driveshaft 210.

The threaded portions 215 a and 215 b can be inserted into interfaceportions of port blocks (not shown) that have matching female threads.When the driveshaft and threaded portions 215 a and 215 b are rotated,the port blocks can move up and down the threaded portions 215 a and 215b. The limiting washers 216 a and 216 b can prevent the threadedportions 215 a and 215 b from over rotating and unscrewing from the portblocks (not shown).

The threaded portion 215 a can have an opposite-handed thread than thatof the threaded portion 215 b. The threaded portion 215 a can have aleft-hand thread and the threaded portion 215 b can have a right-handthread. Having an opposite thread on the threaded portions 215 a and 215b can cause the port blocks to move in opposite directions. For example,rotating the driveshaft 210 and the threaded portions 215 a and 215 b inone direction can cause the port blocks (not shown) to move apart to anopen position. Conversely, rotating the driveshaft 210 and the threadedportions 215 a and 215 b in the opposite direction can cause the portblocks (not shown) to move together to a closed position. It isundesirable for the threaded portions 215 a and 215 b to have the samehandedness thread because rotation of the driveshaft 210 would cause theport blocks to move in the same direction and maintain an equal spacingbetween them preventing the port blocks from reaching a fully open orclosed position.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a gear system according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 8, the gear systemincludes a motor 230, reducing gears 220 having linking gear 240, adriveshaft 210, emergency override gear 250, tool-receiving portion 255,and second linking gear 260.

The motor 230 can be connected to the gears 220 such that turning on themotor 230 will cause the gears 220 to rotate. The gears 220 can beconfigured in a reducing fashion such that rotational speed of the motor230 is reduced through the gears 220 and the rotational speed at thelinking gear 240 is much less. Similarly, by reducing the rotationalspeed, the gears can provide additional power to rotate the driveshaft210 and can overcome the insertion force required to insert ports of aport blocks (not shown) into the corresponding ports of an electronicdevice. The linking gear 240 can be fixed to the driveshaft 210 so thatrotating the linking gear 240 causes the driveshaft 210 to rotate.

Embodiments of the invention further include an emergency override gear250 having a tool-receiving portion 255. In the event of electrical ormechanical malfunction, a user can manually rotate the emergencyoverride gear 250 by turning the tool-receiving portion 255. TheEmergency override gear 250 can be connected to the driveshaft 210 bylinking gear 260 or, in the alternative, linking gear 240.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a port block connected to a driveshaftaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG.9, a drivetrain for a docking station can include a driveshaft 210, athreaded portion 215 a disposed on an end 211 of the driveshaft, a portblock 110, a drivetrain interface 125, and a receiving portion 126 ofthe drive train interface. The receiving portion 126 of the drive traininterface can be threaded to match and receive the threaded portion 215a of the driveshaft 210. In operation, a motor and gears can rotate thedrive shaft and threaded portion 215 a causing the port block 110 tomove or slide up and down the driveshaft 210. Limit washer 216 a can beprovided at an end of the driveshaft 210 to prevent over-rotation of thedriveshaft 210 and prevent the threaded portion 215 a from becomingdisconnected from the receiving portion 126 of the drive train interface125 of the port block 110.

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a port block connected to a driveshaftin a chassis according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 10, a drivetrain for a docking station can include achassis 155, a port block 110, a drive shaft 210, and a pillow block310. The driveshaft 210 can be connected to the port block 110 such thatrotating the driveshaft 210 causes the port block to translate from anopen to a closed position. The port block 155 and driveshaft 210 can bedisposed in a chassis 155. The chassis 155 can further include a pillowblock 310 for supporting and stabilizing the driveshaft 210. A matingcap (not shown) for the pillow block 310 can be provided on theunderside of the tray (generally, FIG. 2) to secure the driveshaft 210in the pillow block 310.

FIG. 11A is a rear view of a docking station according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention and FIG. 11B is a detailed view of a rearportion of a docking station with a chassis portion removed showinternal details according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, a docking station can include achassis 155, plurality of ports 320, a Kensington-style security hole330, an emergency override gear 250, a tool-receiving portion 255, alinking gear 260, a linking gear 240, and a drive shaft 210.

The Kensington-style security hole 330 can be rectangular shapedextending approximately 7.5 millimeters in width and 3.65 millimeters inheight. The security hole 330 can be disposed on a rear portion of thechassis 155. The chassis and/or the security hole 330 can be formed frommetal for added security. The security hole 330 can be disposed suchthat it covers a tool-receiving portion 255 of the emergency overridegear 250. When a locking device is inserted and locked in the securityhole 330, access to the tool-receiving portion 255 of the emergencyoverride gear 250 is blocked thereby securing the docking station andany docked computer from theft. Blocking access to the tool-receivingportion 255 of the emergency override gear 250 also prevents nefariousparties from manually actuating the port blocks from a closed positionto an open position and removing a docked electronic device. When thesecurity hole 330 does not have a lock in it, the tool-receiving portion255 of the emergency override gear 250 can be easily accessed with anappropriate tool such as an Allen wrench.

Turning the tool-receiving portion 255 of the emergency override gear250 causes the linking gear 260 to rotate the driveshaft 210 therebycausing the port blocks (not shown) to translate from a closed to anopen position. In an alternative embodiment, the emergency override gear250 is connected to the linking gear 240 in which case the linking gear260 can be omitted.

FIG. 12A is an assembly view of a port block according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention and FIG. 12B is an isometric view of a portblock according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown inFIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, a port block 410 can include a plurality offingers 415 a, 415 b, 415 c, a connector 420, alignment members 425 a,425 b, 425 c, stand-offs 430 a, 430 b, and a coupling nut 440. Thestand-off 430 a can include a hole (not shown) for receiving a screw 445a. The stand-off 430 b can include a hole 450 b for receiving a screw445 b.

The coupling nut 440 can slide into the stand-offs 430 a, 430 b. Thecoupling nut 440 can receive a threaded portion of the drive train (e.g.FIG. 7, 215 a). The coupling nut 440 can be attached to the stand-off430 a via screw 445 a. The coupling nut 440 can be further attached tothe stand-off 430 b via screw 445 b inserted through hole 450 b. Inassembling a docking station, a step can be to connect the port blocknut 440 to the stand-offs 430 a, 430 b with screws 450 a, 450 b. In thisway, the port block 410 cannot be separated from the drive train (notshown) without removing the screws 450 a, 450 b.

Alignment members 425 a, 425 b, 425 c can slide within correspondingcavities or channels in the tray (not shown) of the docking station.Thus, when the port block 410 is connected to the drive train (notshown) via coupling nut 440 and screws 450 a, 450 b, the tray (notshown) cannot be removed because the tray (not shown) is connected tothe port block 440 via alignment members 425 a, 425 b, 425 c. Alignmentmembers 425 a, 425 b, 425 c can further provide for alignment of theport block 440 with respect to the tray (not shown) and thecorresponding ports of an electronic device disposed in the tray.

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a tray according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 13, a tray 510 can includea plurality of sockets 525 a, 525 b, 525 c. The sockets 525 a, 525 b,525 c can receiving the alignment members 425 a, 425 b, 425 c shown inFIG. 12. In embodiments of the invention, the sockets 525 a, 525 b, 525c can be deep and the corresponding alignment members 425 a, 425 b, 425c of a matching length such that the tray 510 can only be removed fromthe docking station when the port block is removed from the drive trainvia removal of screws 445 a, 445 b shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B are assembly views of a port block, tray anddrivetrain according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. Asshown in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, a docking station includes a port block410, a tray 510, and a drive train (not labeled). The port block 410 caninclude alignment members 425 a, 425 b, 425 c and stand-offs 430 a, 430b. The stand-offs 430 a, 430 b can include holes 450 a, 450 b forreceiving screws 445 a, 445 b. The tray 510 can include a plurality ofsockets 525 a, 525 b, 525 c.

When assembled as shown in FIG. 14B, the screws 445 a, 445 b can passthrough the holes 450 a, 450 b in the stand-offs 430 a, 430 b therebyconnecting the port block 410 to the coupling nut 440 of the drive train(not labeled). Similarly, the alignment members 425 a, 425 b, 425 c canslidably connect to corresponding sockets 525 a, 525 b, 525 c. In thisway, the port block 410 functions as a linking member connecting thedrive train and the tray 510.

FIG. 15A is an isometric view of a left side of a chassis according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention and FIG. 15B is an isometricview of a right side of a chassis according to an exemplary embodimentof the invention. As shown in FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B, a chassis 655 canhave holes 650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d. The holes 650 a, 650 b can bepositioned within the chassis 655 to correspond to the position ofcorresponding holes 450 a, 450 b of the stand-offs 430 a, 430 b shown inFIG. 14A and FIG. 14B when the port block 410 is in an open position.The holes 650 c, 650 d can be positioned within the chassis 655 tocorrespond to the position of corresponding holes of the stand-offs of asecond port block (not shown) when the second port block is in an openposition. The chassis holes 650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d can be sized toallow a screw, such as screw 445 a or 445 b of FIG. 14B to completelypass through the hole 650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d. In this way, the hole650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d functions as an access hole or pass-throughhole for a screw. The screw can connect the port block to the drivetrain as shown in FIG. 14B. The holes 650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d can bepositioned within the chassis such that a screw (such as screw 445 a or445 b of FIG. 14B) can only be accessed through the hole with thedocking station or the port block is in an open position. Conversely,when the docking station is in a closed position, the coupling nut thatreceives a screw slides inwards and cannot be accessed through the holes650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d. In this way, an electronic device that isdocked within the docking station cannot be removed from the dockingstation by disassembling the docking station because screws that holdthe docking station together are not accessible through the holes 650 a,650 b, 650 c, 650 d when the docking station is in a closed or dockedstate. In embodiments of the invention, the chassis is made from a metaladding further protection against theft of a docked electronic device.

FIG. 16A is an isometric view of a chassis and tray according to anexemplary embodiment of the invention and FIG. 16B is an isometric viewof a chassis, tray, and perimeter foot according to an exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 16A and FIG. 16B, adocking station can have a chassis 655, a tray 510, and a perimeter foot665. The chassis 655 can have holes (650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d of FIG.15A and FIG. 15B) for receiving screws 445 a, 445 b, 445 c, 445 d. Theholes (650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B) can be largethan the screws 445 a, 445 b, 445 c, 445 d such that the screw and thehead of the screw can pass completely through its corresponding hole.The screw can connect a portion of the port block to a portion of thedrive train. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the screws 445a, 445 b, 445 c, 445 d connect a stand-off of the port block to acoupling nut of the drive train. The port blocks can slide between anopen position and a closed position. When the port block is in an openposition, the screws 445 a, 445 b, 445 c, 445 d can be passed throughthe corresponding holes to connect the port block to the drive train.When the port block is in a closed position, the coupling nut slidesinwards along the threaded portion of the drive train (see e.g. FIG. 7)moving the head of the screw such that it cannot be accessed through theholes (650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d of FIG. 15A and FIG. 15B). Because thescrews 445 a, 445 b, 445 c, 445 d cannot be accessed when the port blockis in the closed position, the docking station cannot be disassembledthereby preventing theft of an electronic in the docking station.

The perimeter foot 665 can be inserted into a corresponding recess 660on the bottom of the chassis 655. The perimeter foot 665 can cover orhide the access holes (650 a, 650 b, 650 c, 650 d of FIG. 15A and FIG.15B). The perimeter foot 665 can be formed from rubber or silicon orother durable material to provide a resilient and anti-slip base for thedocking station.

FIG. 17 is an isometric view of a chassis and drive train according toan exemplary embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIG. 17 a dockingstation can include a chassis 655 and a drive train (shown in brokenline). The embodiment in FIG. 17 shows a docking station in a closedstate. A port block has been omitted for clarity although generally, aport block can be connected to the coupling nut 440 via stand-offs asshown in FIG. 14B. FIG. 17 illustrates how the screws 445 a, 445 b thatcan connect the port block (not shown) to the coupling nut 440 slideright or inwards when the docking station and port block is in a closedstate. As shown in FIG. 17, the screws 445 a, 445 b cannot be accessedthrough holes 650 a, 650 b. Access to the screws 445 a, 445 b isobscured by the chassis 655.

When assembling a docking station, the port block can be the last majorcomponent added to the assembly. The port block can effectively couplethe tray to the drive train and thereby the chassis. The alignmentmembers of the port block can couple the port block to the tray. Thestand-offs can couple the port block to the coupling nut 440 of thedrive train. The drive train can be coupled to the chassis with screws(not shown). The port block can be slidably introduced into the dockingstation via a side of the chassis. In the example of FIG. 17, a portblock can slide into the chassis from the left hand side. Once inserted,the alignment members of the port block can enter into correspondingsockets of the tray. Stand-offs of the port block can connect to acoupling nut of the drive train. Screws can be used to connect thecoupling nut of the drive train to the stand-offs of the port block.Holes can be provided in the chassis such that the screws can beinserted when the docking station is in an open or undocked state. Theposition of the holes in the chassis can correspond to the position ofholes in the coupling nut when the dock is in an open or undocked state.When the dock is transitioned to a docked or locked state, the couplingnut can slide along the threaded portion of a drive train. The screwsthat connect the coupling nut to the port block can move with thecoupling nut such that the screws are not accessible via the accessholes when the docking station is in a closed or locked state (as shownin FIG. 17).

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the secure assembly for amotorized docking station without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. Thus, it is intended that embodiments of the inventioncover the modifications and variations of this invention provided theycome within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A docking station having a secure assembly, thedocking station comprising: a chassis; a tray at least partiallycovering the chassis; a port block slidably connected to the tray, theport block configured to translate between a substantially open positionand a substantially closed position; a drivetrain connected to thechassis; a fastener connecting the port block to the drivetrain; anaccess hole in the chassis; wherein the fastener is accessible via theaccess hole when the port block is in an open position; and wherein thefastener is inaccessible via the access hole when the port block is in aclosed position inhibiting disassembly of the docking station.
 2. Thedocking station of claim 1 further comprising: a perimeter foot coveringthe access hole.
 3. The docking station of claim 1 further comprising afirst alignment member of the port block; a first socket of the tray forslidably receiving the first alignment member; a second alignment memberof the port block; and a second socket of the tray for slidablyreceiving the second alignment member.
 4. The docking station of claim 1further comprising: a drivetrain nut of the drivetrain; wherein the portblock is connected to the drivetrain nut.
 5. The docking station ofclaim 1 further comprising: a second port block slidably connected tothe tray; a second fastener connecting the second port block to thedrive train; and a second access hole in the chassis; wherein the secondaccess hole is positioned to provide access to the second fastener whenthe second port block is in an open state and inhibit access to thefastener when the second port block is in a closed state.
 6. The dockingstation of claim 1 further comprising: a stand-off of the port block;and a hole in the stand-off for receiving the fastener.
 7. A dockingstation having a secure assembly, the docking station comprising: achassis; a tray at least partially covering the chassis; a first portblock configured to slide between an open position and a closedposition; a first alignment member on the first port block; a firstsocket of the tray for slidably receiving the first alignment member; asecond alignment member on the first port block; a second socket of thetray for slidably receiving the second alignment member; a drivetrainconnected to the chassis; a fastener attaching the drivetrain to thefirst port block; an access hole; wherein a head of the fastener ispositioned below the access hole when the first port block is in theopen position; and wherein the head of the fastener is obscured by thechassis when the first port block is in the closed position.
 8. Thedocking station of claim 7 further comprising: a second port blockconfigured to slide between an open position and a closed position; athird alignment member on the second port block; a third socket of thetray for slidably receiving the third alignment member; a fourthalignment member on the second port block; a fourth socket of the trayfor slidably receiving the fourth alignment member; a second fastenerattaching the drivetrain to the second port block; a second access hole;wherein a head of the second fastener is positioned below the secondaccess hole when the second port block is in the open position; andwherein the head of the second fastener is obscured by the chassis whenthe second port block is in the closed position.
 9. The docking stationof claim 7 further comprising: a threaded nut of the drivetrain; whereinthe first fastener connects the first port block to the threaded nut.10. The docking station of claim 7 further comprising: a stand-off ofthe first port block; and a hole in the stand-off for receiving thefastener.